5.0(7 Reviews)Half Day Private Fishing Charter in New Orleans
5.0(7 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Fivehour private inshore fishing charter in New Orleans watersTarget redfish, black drum, speckled trout with provided gearExpert captain guidance through productive marshes for two guests
When you're looking for a world-class inshore fishing experience in New Orleans, Captain Frenchy's got you covered. This 5-hour private charter takes you deep into the productive waters around the Big Easy, where the marsh meets the Gulf and fish pile up in numbers that'll surprise even seasoned anglers. You and one other person get the boat to yourselves, which means no sharing hot spots with strangers and all the personal attention you need to put fish in the cooler. Whether you've been fishing these waters for decades or you're picking up a rod for the first time, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps people coming back year after year.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation. Captain Frenchy runs a tight ship with just two guests max, so you get that personalized guide service that makes all the difference between a good day and a great day. You'll launch early and head straight to where the fish are staging, whether that's working the grass lines for reds or hitting the deeper pockets where the trout school up. The captain knows these marshes like the back of his hand and adjusts the game plan based on conditions, tides, and what's been producing recently. All your tackle comes included, from the rods and reels down to the terminal tackle, so you just need to show up ready to fish. The boat's set up specifically for inshore work with a shallow draft that gets you into places bigger vessels can't reach, and plenty of deck space to fight fish without getting tangled up.
Captain Frenchy knows that different species call for different approaches, and he'll have you rigged up with whatever's working best that day. For redfish, expect to throw everything from topwater plugs in the early morning to soft plastics when they're holding tight to structure. The trout fishing typically involves working live bait under popping corks or casting artificial shrimp patterns along the drop-offs where they ambush prey. Black drum fishing means switching to heavier tackle and bottom rigs with cut bait, since these bruisers like to hug the bottom around oyster reefs and pilings. The captain provides quality spinning gear that can handle everything from finicky trout to bull reds that'll test your drag system. He'll teach you how to read the water, spot nervous baitfish, and present your offering in a way that triggers strikes rather than just hoping something swims by.
"Captain Frenchy was a super captain and host. Very fun and engaging and totally dialed in on the fish. We would recommend him highly to anyone and hope to fish again with him soon." - Margaret
"The fishing was rough but Frenchy still made sure we went home with a full cooler. He is excellent at what he does and is very comfortable and entertaining to be around. We will definitely return for another trip with Frenchy!!" - Heather Campbell
"Awesome trip and experience !! My girlfriend and I couldn't be happier with our half day private charter. Frenchy is a world class fisherman and knew all the right spots to catch fish. Took excellent care of us while on the water, and we caught a bunch of trout!! 10/10 highly recommended" - David
Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana inshore fishing, and these copper-colored fighters put up a battle that'll leave your arms sore. They typically run anywhere from slot-size 16-inchers up to bull reds pushing 40 pounds or more. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with reds schooling up in the shallows during cooler months and spreading out to deeper grass beds when it heats up. What makes them so special is their willingness to eat almost anything you throw at them, from live shrimp to artificial baits, plus they fight dirty with powerful runs that'll test your equipment and your patience.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the marsh, but they're absolute bulldogs that'll give you a workout. These bottom-huggers can grow massive, with 20 to 50-pound fish being fairly common around the structures they love to call home. They're most active during the warmer months when they move into the shallows to spawn, making them accessible to anglers who know where to look. The appeal comes from their sheer power - once you hook into a big drum, you're in for a long, grinding fight that's more about endurance than speed. They're also excellent table fare when prepared right, with firm white meat that takes seasoning well.
Striped bass, or "stripers" as most locals call them, show up seasonally and provide some of the most explosive action you'll find in these waters. They're aggressive feeders that travel in schools, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. These silver bullets can range from school-sized fish perfect for dinner up to trophy specimens that'll push your tackle to its limits. Fall and winter tend to be prime time when they move into the estuary system chasing baitfish, and their hard strikes and acrobatic fights make them a customer favorite for anglers who appreciate a fish with attitude.
Sheepshead are the marsh's answer to a puzzle fish - they're everywhere, they're great eating, but they'll steal your bait faster than you can set the hook if you're not paying attention. These convict-striped fish hang around any kind of structure, from bridge pilings to oyster reefs, using their human-like teeth to crush shellfish and crustaceans. The challenge and the appeal come from their light bite and their habit of stripping hooks clean, which means you need to stay sharp and react quickly. When you dial in the technique, though, you can load the boat with these tasty panfish that fry up better than almost anything else you'll catch.
Smallmouth bass aren't what most people expect to
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bruisers of our local waters, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 50+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish love our shallow oyster beds and muddy flats where they crush crabs and shellfish with their strong jaws. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during spawning season in spring - that's when they school up and fishing gets really good. They're incredible fighters that'll test your drag, but stick to keeping the smaller ones under 15 pounds for the best eating. The bigger fish make better photos than dinner. Here's a local trick: use fresh peeler crab on the bottom near oyster reefs, and be patient - they'll mouth the bait before really taking it, so wait for that solid pull before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of our shallow water flats, running 20-30 inches on average with that signature copper color and black spot near the tail. These fish love water so shallow their backs sometimes break the surface, cruising oyster beds, grass flats, and marsh edges looking for crabs and shrimp. They're year-round targets but really turn on in fall and spring when they school up. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their bulldogging fight in skinny water. Plus, they're fantastic on the table with sweet, firm meat. The slot-size fish (16-27 inches in Louisiana) are perfect for eating. My local secret: look for nervous water or "wakes" on calm days - that's often redfish pushing through the shallows. Throw a gold spoon or soft plastic ahead of their path and get ready for some serious drag-screaming action.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our docks and pilings, with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth that'll surprise you. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, but 20-pounders are out there if you're lucky. These structure huggers live around any barnacle-covered piling, bridge, or reef where they munch on crabs and shellfish. Spring is peak season, especially February through April during spawning. They're notorious bait thieves with a delicate bite, but once hooked, they fight hard with that deep, compressed body. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the Gulf. Here's the key: get your bait right against the structure - they rarely venture far from cover. Use fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, keep it pinned tight to the hook, and set hard when you feel them nibbling.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth Bass are scrappy fighters that average 2-4 pounds in our clearer freshwater spots, though females can reach 6 pounds. These bronze-colored fish with dark vertical bars prefer rocky bottoms and structure like fallen trees or rock piles. Spring and fall are prime time when they're active in shallow water during warm, bright days. In summer, they go deep to find cooler water, making early morning and evening your best shots. What guests love most is their reputation as pound-for-pound the best fighting freshwater fish - they'll jump, run, and give you everything they've got. The firm, mild-flavored meat makes great eating too. Local tip: try a weightless soft plastic that can hang near the surface during spring, but switch to heavier jigs for vertical drops when they're holding deep in summer.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are powerful fish that typically run 20-40 pounds in our waters, with those distinctive black stripes running down their silver sides. They're structure lovers - you'll find them around pier pilings, jetties, and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. These fish are most active during cooler months and around dawn and dusk when they move into shallower water to feed. What makes them special is their incredible fight and excellent eating quality - firm, white meat with a sweet flavor that's hard to beat. They're not particularly fast but they're strong, so be ready for a good battle. My go-to tip: look for diving birds or baitfish activity on the surface. When stripers are feeding, they push bait to the top and create a feeding frenzy that's easy to spot from a distance.
5.0 out of 5.0"Captain Sandot is simply the best! He's incredibly knowledgeable about the local waterways and knows exactly the right setup for ...
Bryan Harper, Thank you! . Looking forward to our next trip.
Captain Frenchy was a super captain and host. Very fun and engaging and totally dialed in on the fish. We would recommend him hi...
Margaret Begley, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
The fishing was rough but Frenchy still made sure we went home with a full cooler. He is excellent at what he does and is very co...
Awesome trip and experience !! My girlfriend and I couldn’t be happier with our half day private charter. Frenchy is a world clas...
David Brown, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. you guys did an ex...
Simply awesome trip. We had our fish dinner on the hotel grill last night! Captain Sandot is as fine of a fisherman, tour guide ...
Joseph Sawyer, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Mark Biglione, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Will book with him again
New Orleans